Devices, systems, and methods for displaying visual features

ABSTRACT

Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods for selectively arranging a plurality of visual features. The systems and methods include the use of a plurality of display assemblies. Each display assembly can have a frame with side portions that define receiving spaces for receiving connectors that allow for coupling with other display assemblies. The display assemblies can be provided with a mount subassembly that permits selective rotational adjustment of the display assemblies without adjusting the attachment of mount assembly to a selected surface.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to and the benefit of the filing dateof U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/646,548, which was filedon Mar. 22, 2018, and which is incorporated herein by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD

The present invention is related to devices, systems, and methods forselectively displaying visual features. More specifically, systems andmethods are provided for selectively positioning at least two displayassemblies relative to each other as desired by the user.

BACKGROUND

Various types of frames (e.g., collage frames) have been used to displayimages and other visual features. For example, groups of frames havebeen positioned in clusters or groups to create a desired visual effect.However, to secure these frames in a desired orientation, each framemust be permanently secured to a wall (or other surface) and optionally,must be permanently secured to another frame. Thus, after the frames aresecured in the desired orientation, it is difficult and time-consumingto rearrange the frames, leaving the user with little discretion as tothe orientation of the frames and the overall size and shape of thedisplay created by the frames.

Accordingly, there remains a need for devices and systems forselectively arranging a plurality of visual features in an orientationas determined by the user. This need and other needs are satisfied bythe various aspects of the present disclosure.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein, in various aspects, are devices, systems, and methodsfor selectively arranging a plurality of visual features.

In one aspect, disclosed herein are display assemblies for displaying atleast one visual feature. In this aspect, the display assembly cancomprise a frame. The frame can have a plurality of side portions thatcooperate to define a central opening that is configured to receive atleast one visual feature. At least one side portion of the frame cancomprise (a) a base portion defining a portion of a rear surface of theframe; and (b) first and second projections extending from the baseportion in a first direction away from the rear surface of the frame.The first and second projections can define a receiving space thatextends along a length of the side portion. The receiving space can beconfigured to at least partially receive a portion of a connector thatis inserted into the receiving space in a second direction opposite thefirst direction.

In an additional aspect, a display assembly can have a frame with aplurality of side portions that cooperate to define a central openingthat is configured to receive at least one visual feature. The centralopening can have a central axis passing through a center point of theframe. At least one side portion of the frame can comprise (a) a baseportion having opposed inner and outer surfaces; and (b) a projectionhaving an arm section that extends outwardly from the outer surface ofthe base portion and first and second rail sections extending from thearm section in opposite directions that are parallel or substantiallyparallel to the central axis. The first rail section, the arm section,and the outer surface of the base portion can cooperate to define afirst receiving space. The second rail section, the arm section, and theouter surface of the base portion can cooperate to define a secondreceiving space. Each receiving space can be configured to at leastpartially receive a portion of a connector that is slidingly insertedinto the receiving spaces in a direction perpendicular or substantiallyperpendicular to the central axis.

In another aspect, described herein are systems for selectivelyarranging a plurality of visual features that can comprise a pluralityof display assemblies. The systems can include connectors for couplingaligned side portions of the frames of adjacent display assemblies.

In another aspect, described herein are methods for selectivelyarranging a plurality of visual features. In one aspect, the method cancomprise positioning a plurality of display assemblies onto a surface.

Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in thedescription which follows, and in part will be obvious from thedescription, or may be learned by practice of the invention. In someoptional aspects, the advantages of the invention can be realized andattained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointedout in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both theforegoing general description and the following detailed description areexemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention,as claimed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several aspects of the inventionand together with the description, serve to explain the principles ofthe invention.

FIG. 1A is a side perspective view of an exemplary side portion of aframe of a display assembly as disclosed herein. FIG. 1B is aperspective view of the side portion of the frame of FIG. 1A, with theprojections of the side portion rotated to extend in a downwarddirection.

FIG. 2 is an isolated perspective view of an exemplary connector havingprojections that can be selectively inserted within receiving spacesdefined by side portions as depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B and as furtherdisclosed herein.

FIG. 3A is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary connector and anexemplary side portion of a frame of a display assembly as disclosedherein, shown prior to insertion of a projection of the connector withina receiving space of the side portion. FIG. 3B is a perspective view ofthe connector and side portion of the frame after insertion of theprojection of the connector within the receiving space of the sideportion.

FIGS. 4A-4C sequentially depict the connection of first and seconddisplay assemblies using a connector as disclosed herein. FIG. 4A is aperspective view of the display assemblies and the connector prior toinsertion of the projections of the connector within the receivingspaces of aligned side portions of the first and second displayassemblies. FIG. 4B is a perspective view of the display assembliesafter alignment of adjacent side portions off the first and seconddisplay assemblies. FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the displayassemblies and the connector after insertion of the projections of theconnector within the receiving spaces of aligned side portions of thefirst and second display assemblies.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of an alternative connector configurationhaving first and second handles that bias the projections of theconnector to a closed position. FIG. 5B is a perspective view of firstand second display assemblies and the connector of FIG. 5A prior toinsertion of the projections of the connector within the receivingspaces of aligned side portions of the first and second displayassemblies. FIG. 5C is a perspective view of the display assemblies andthe connector after insertion of the projections of the connector withinthe receiving spaces of the aligned side portions of the first andsecond display assemblies.

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of mount subassembly, a backing, and aframe as disclosed herein. FIG. 6B is a perspective view of an assembledmount subassembly and backing as disclosed herein. FIG. 6C is aperspective view of a fully assembled display assembly having a frame, abacking, and a mount subassembly as disclosed herein.

FIG. 7A is a front perspective view of an exemplary display assemblyhaving a track system that permits adjustment of the horizontal,vertical, and rotational positions of the display assembly relative to asurface (e.g., a wall), while also permitting adjustment to fit variousframe sizes. FIG. 7B is an isolated perspective view of a base portionof a backing and aligned alignment slots that cooperate to permitvertical adjustment of the effective size of the mounting subassembly asfurther disclosed herein.

FIGS. 8A-8G depict various exemplary configurations of systemscomprising a plurality of display assemblies as disclosed herein. FIGS.8A-8B show the same configuration of display assemblies in a verticalorientation and a horizontal orientation, respectively. As shown, it iscontemplated that the plurality of display assemblies can be configuredto display respective visual features independent of other displayassemblies (see FIG. 8B). However, it is also contemplated that theplurality of display assemblies can be configured to cooperativelydisplay respective portions of a single visual work (see FIG. 8A and8C-8E). It is still further contemplated that the same displayassemblies can be selectively cycled between an “independent operation”mode and a “cooperative operation” mode (compare the display assembliesin FIGS. 8A-8B). As shown, it is still further contemplated that thesame core display assembly shape can be used throughout a display systemwhile still permitting changes to the overall appearance of the systemthrough addition or removal of display assemblies (see FIGS. 8C-8E).

FIGS. 9A-9B are end and side perspective views of an exemplary sideportion of a frame of a display assembly as disclosed herein.

FIGS. 10A-10B are top and side perspective views of an exemplaryconnector for use with frames having side portions as depicted in FIGS.9A-9B.

FIGS. 11A-11B are opposing end perspective views depicting complementaryengagement between the projection of a side portion of a frame asdepicted in FIGS. 9A-9B and a connector as depicted in FIGS. 10A-10B.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of an exemplary frame having sideportions as depicted in FIGS. 9A-9B.

FIGS. 13A-13D depict the sequential engagement between a connector ofFIGS. 10A-10B and respective aligned side portions of the adjacentframes as depicted in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14A is a bottom perspective view of a portion of an exemplarycoupling subassembly as disclosed herein. FIG. 14B is a perspective viewof an exemplary display assembly, an exemplary connector, and thecoupling subassembly of FIG. 14A prior to frictional engagement of theprojection of the coupling subassembly between the connector and theside portion of the frame of the display assembly. FIG. 14C is aperspective view of the display assembly, the connector, and thecoupling subassembly following frictional engagement of the projectionof the coupling subassembly between the connector and the side portionof the frame of the display assembly.

FIG. 15A is a bottom perspective view of a portion of an exemplarycoupling subassembly as disclosed herein. FIG. 15B is a perspective viewof an exemplary connector having a plurality of axial slots configuredto receive a portion of a respective projection of the couplingsubassembly of FIG. 15A. FIG. 15C is a perspective view of the connectorof FIG. 15B and the coupling subassembly of FIG. 15A prior to insertionof the projection of the coupling subassembly into an axial slot of theconnector. FIG. 15D is a perspective view of the connector of FIG. 15Band the coupling subassembly of FIG. 15A following insertion of theprojection of the coupling subassembly into an axial slot of theconnector.

FIGS. 16A-16B depict an exemplary coupling subassembly that isincorporated into an exemplary connector as disclosed herein. As shown,the coupling assembly can include engagement wheels that are selectivelyrotatable relative to the connector to increase or decrease frictionalengagement with a portion of a side portion of a frame of a displayassembly as disclosed herein.

FIG. 17A is an exploded perspective view of an exemplary displayassembly having a frame, a display surface, and a cover as disclosedherein. FIG. 17B is a front perspective view of the assembled displayassembly.

FIGS. 18A-18C are front perspective views depicting the sequentialassembly of a display system having a plurality of display assembliesthat are connected together by a plurality of connectors as disclosedherein.

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of an exemplary display systemhaving a plurality of display assemblies that are secured together usinga plurality of connectors as disclosed herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention can be understood more readily by reference to thefollowing detailed description, examples, drawings, and claims, andtheir previous and following descriptions. However, before the presentdevices, systems, and/or methods are disclosed and described, it is tobe understood that this invention is not limited to the specificdevices, systems, and/or methods disclosed unless otherwise specified,as such can, of course, vary. It is also to be understood that theterminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particularaspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

The following description of the invention is provided as an enablingteaching of the invention in its best, currently known embodiment. Tothis end, those skilled in the relevant art will recognize andappreciate that many changes can be made to the various aspects of theinvention described herein, while still obtaining the beneficial resultsof the present invention. It will also be apparent that some of thedesired benefits of the present invention can be obtained by selectingsome of the features of the present invention without utilizing otherfeatures. Accordingly, those who work in the art will recognize thatmany modifications and adaptations to the present invention are possibleand can even be desirable in certain circumstances and are a part of thepresent invention. Thus, the following description is provided asillustrative of the principles of the present invention and not inlimitation thereof

As used throughout, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus,for example, reference to “a display assembly” can include two or moresuch display assemblies unless the context indicates otherwise.

Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value,and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range isexpressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/orto the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed asapproximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understoodthat the particular value forms another aspect. It will be furtherunderstood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant bothin relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the otherendpoint.

As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that thesubsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, andthat the description includes instances where said event or circumstanceoccurs and instances where it does not.

The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular listand also includes any combination of members of that list.

As used herein, the term “substantially” means that the describedcharacteristic is within about 15%, about 10%, or about 5% of thespecified value. For example, if a surface is “substantially parallel”to a specified orientation axis, then the surface is oriented at anangle that is within about 15%, within about 10%, or within about 5% ofbeing parallel to the specified orientation axis.

The terms “first,” “second,” “first part,” “second part,” and the like,as used herein, do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, andare used to distinguish one element from another, unless specificallystated otherwise.

Moreover, it is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated,it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construedas requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order.Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order tobe followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated inthe claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to aspecific order, it is in no way intended that an order be inferred, inany respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis forinterpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangementof steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammaticalorganization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects describedin the specification.

Described herein, in various exemplary embodiments and with reference toFIGS. 1A-19, is a display assembly 10 for displaying one or more visualfeatures. In exemplary aspects, the display assembly 10 can comprise aframe 20. In one aspect, the frame 20 can have an outer edge 40. Inanother aspect, the frame 20 can have an inner edge 42. In a furtheraspect, the outer edge 40 of the frame 20 can define a perimeter of theframe 20. In still a further aspect, the inner edge 42 of the frame 20can define a central opening 36. It is contemplated that the centralopening 36 can be configured to receive at least one visual feature of aplurality of visual features. It is contemplated that the at least onevisual feature can comprise an image, text (letters, phrases, sentences,paragraphs, and the like), a document, an object, or combinations orportions thereof. The images can be any graphic, such as a piece ofartwork (i.e., a painting, a photograph, a sketch, or collage, etc.).For example, in some exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that visualfeatures 22 can be manually positioned within the central openings 20 offrames 12 as further disclosed herein. In other aspects, as furtherdisclosed herein, it is contemplated that at least a portion of theimages can be digital or electronic images.

Optionally, in exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that at least onevisual feature can be displayed digitally using a video display, suchas, for example and without limitation, an electronic paper display, aplastic electronic display, a LCD video display, or an electrowettingdisplay as are known in the art. In one aspect, the video display can beincorporated into the frame 20. In another aspect, the video display cancomprise at least a portion of the frame 20. In one aspect, the videodisplay can be flexible. In another aspect, the video display can have aselected cross-sectional profile, such as, for example and withoutlimitation, a concave, a convex, or a substantially planarcross-sectional profile. In another aspect, the video display can have adesired shape, such as, for example and without limitation, athree-dimensional polygonal shape, including, for example and withoutlimitation, a rectangular or triangular shape in at least one plane. Oneskilled in the art would appreciate that such digital video displays cancomprise a programmable memory such that the user can display aslideshow of multiple visual features. The programmable memory cancomprise a built-in memory and/or a memory card slot that allows theuser to increase the storage capacity. The digital display can showJPEG, BMP, and TIFF images, as well as any other images having asuitable format. Optionally, the digital video display can comprise abuilt-in speaker allowing the user to play MP3 and WAV audio files. Asis known to one skilled in the art, the speaker can be a mono or stereospeaker. Optionally, in exemplary aspects, the digital display can beconfigured to display video files such as, but not limited to, M-JPEG,WMA, AVI, and MPEG-1, 2, and 4 video files. In one aspect, the digitaldisplay can comprise touch-screen controls as are known in the art. Inanother aspect, the video display can comprise software that allows theuser to operate the video display using a computer, a cellular device, atablet, and/or a remote control device. In operation, it is contemplatedthat the user can control each respective video display from a remotelocation. In a further aspect, the video display can provide variousplayback speeds. In another aspect, the video display can be configuredto display selected transition patterns when the video displaytransitions from displaying a first visual feature to a second visualfeature. In yet another aspect, the video display can display randomslideshows or, alternatively, the user can create a playlist containingspecific images of the user's choice. In another aspect, the digitaldisplay can comprise internal memory. In another aspect, the digitaldisplay can comprise a USB port and/or a card reader as are known in theart. As is known in the art, a user can connect the video display to acomputer, a cellular device, a tablet, a flash drive, an external harddrive, and/or a memory card using the USB port and/or the card reader totransfer image files and/or audio files from the computer, cellulardevice, flash drive, external hard drive, memory card to the digitaldisplay. In another aspect, the digital display can be configured toestablish Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth connectivity with an external device.Such Wi-Fi and/or Bluetooth connectivity allows the user to connect thevideo display to a network, a computer and/or cellular device in awireless manner as is known in the art. It is contemplated that thevideo display can be linked to a user's social media website, such as,but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, and/or Instagram, such thatimages and/or videos uploaded to the social media website can appear onthe video display.

As shown in FIGS. 4A-7A, the frame 20 of the display assembly 10 canhave a front surface and an opposed rear surface 38. In this aspect, thefront and back surfaces of the frame 20 can extend between the inner andouter edges 42, 40 of the frame 20 of the display assembly 10.

In one aspect, it is contemplated that the frame 20 of the displayassembly 10 can comprise any shape. Such shapes can include rectangular,substantially rectangular, square, substantially square, triangular,substantially triangular, and the like. In another aspect, the frame 20of the display assembly 10 can be of any size (in any dimension). Forexample and without limitation, the size of the frame 20 of the displayassembly 10 can be 4″×6″, 4×7, 4×12, 5×5, 5″×7″, 7×7, 8×8, 8″×10″,8.5×11, 8×12, 9×12, 10×13, 10×20, 11″×14″, 11″×17″, 12″×12″, 12″×16″,12″×18″, 13″×19″, 14″×18″, 12″×36″, 16″×20″, 18″×24″, 20″×24″, 20″×28″,22″×28″, 24″×30″, 27″×39″, 27″×40″, or 27″×41″ (all measurements areprovided in inches). In yet another aspect, the frame 20 of the displayassembly 10 can comprise any color or a combination of colors. Inanother aspect, the frame 20 of the display assembly 10 can be clear ortranslucent. In another aspect, the frame 20 of the display assembly 10can comprise wood, plastic, acrylic, vinyl, fabric, metal, stone, orcombinations thereof. Optionally, in some exemplary aspects and as shownin FIGS. 4A-7, the frame 20 can have a stepped configuration in whichthe frame has an outer frame portion and an inner frame portion that isrecessed relative to the outer frame portion such that the inner frameportion has a cross-sectional height that is less than a cross-sectionalheight of the outer frame portion. In these optional aspects, it iscontemplated that the inner frame portion can define the central opening36.

Display Assemblies Having Frames with First and Second Projections

In exemplary aspects, and with reference to FIGS. 1A-8G, the frame 20 ofthe display assembly can comprise a plurality of side portions 22 thatcooperate to define the central opening 36. In these aspects, at leastone side portion 22 (optionally, each side portion) of the frame 20 cancomprise: (a) a base portion 24 defining a portion of a rear surface 38of the frame; and (b) first and second projections 26, 28 extending fromthe base portion in a first direction away from the rear surface of theframe. It is contemplated that the first and second projections 26, 28can define a receiving space 30 that extends along a length of the sideportion 22. It is further contemplated that the receiving space 30 canbe configured to at least partially receive a portion of a connectorthat is inserted into the receiving space in a second direction oppositethe first direction. Thus, in use, and as further described herein, itis contemplated that the connectors disclosed herein can be selectivelysecured to and removed from side portions of the frame without the needfor removing or detaching the display assembly from the structure uponwhich it rests or is secured (e.g., a wall).

In one aspect, the first projection 26 of the at least one side portion22 of the frame 20 can define a portion of an outer edge 40 of theframe. In this aspect, the at least one side portion of the frame canhave an inner edge portion 32 that defines an inner edge 42 of theframe, and the second projection 28 of the at least one side portion ofthe frame 20 can be positioned radially between the receiving space 30and the inner edge portion 32.

In exemplary aspects, the first projection 26 of the at least one sideportion 22 of the frame 20 can have a first height relative to the rearsurface 38 of the frame, and the second projection 28 of the at leastone side portion of the frame can have a second height relative to therear surface of the frame. In these aspects, it is contemplated that thesecond height can be greater than the first height.

In further aspects, it is contemplated that the inner edge portion 32 ofthe at least one side portion 22 of the frame 20 can be recessed fromthe second projection 28 in the second direction to define a ledge 34.In these aspects, the ledge 34 can have a height relative to the rearsurface 38 of the frame 20 that is less than the first height.

In still further aspects, the first and second projections 26, 28 canhave respective thicknesses. Optionally, in these aspects, the thicknessof the first projection 26 can be less than the thickness of the secondprojection 28.

Optionally, in exemplary aspects, the first and second projections 26,28 and the inner edge portion 32 of the at least one side portion 22 ofthe frame 20 can be integrally formed as a unitary, monolithicstructure.

Optionally, in further exemplary aspects, the first and secondprojections 26, 28 and the receiving space 30 can extendcircumferentially and contiguously around the central opening 36 of theframe 20.

In one optional aspect, the plurality of side portions 22 can compriseat least three side portions (optionally consisting of three sideportions). In another optional aspect, the plurality of side portionscan comprise at least four side portions (optionally consisting of fourside portions).

Referring now to FIGS. 6A-7B, in one optional aspect, the displayassembly 10 can comprise a backing 50. The backing 50 can have a frontwall 52 and an opposed back wall 54 that defines a rear surface 56. Itis contemplated that at least a portion of the backing 50 can beconfigured for selective operative coupling to the frame 20 of arespective display assembly. Optionally, in exemplary aspects, the inneredge 42 of the frame can define at least one slit or indentation that isconfigured to receive a portion of the backing 50 to thereby support thebacking in an operative position. Alternatively, in one exemplaryaspect, the inner edge 42 of the frame 20 can define a lip or protrusionthat can extend inwardly from the inner edge toward the central opening36 to support the backing 50 in an operative position and help preventthe backing from extending through the central opening of the frame.Upon operative coupling of the backing 50 to the frame 20 of the displayassembly 10, it is contemplated that at least a portion of the backing50 can be positioned in communication with (optionally, within) thecentral opening 36.

In various aspects, and as shown in FIGS. 6A-7B, the system 150 fordisplaying visual features disclosed herein can comprise at least onesupport member. It is contemplated that the at least one support membercan be configured to support the display assembly 10 in an operativeposition relative to a selected surface. Optionally, the at least onesupport member can be configured to secure the display assembly 10 tothe selected surface. Optionally, the at least one support member cancomprise a strut back, a stand, a metal tab, a hole, a bracket, a wire,a cleat, a plaque with at least one magnetic attachment point, orcombinations thereof. In use, the at least one support member can besecured to a wall surface where display assemblies are to be positioned.After the at least one support member is secured to the wall surface, afirst display assembly can be selectively positioned in engagement withthe at least one support member, and then additional display assembliescan be coupled to the first display assembly as further disclosedherein. Optionally, in use, it is contemplated that the cover, visualfeatures such as photographs, for example and without limitation, otherdisplay elements, and the backing need not be inserted into the displayassembly until the display assembly is properly engaged by the supportmember, thereby permitting visibility of the support member during theinitial positioning of the display assembly. After proper positioning ofthe first display assembly is confirmed, then the cover, visualfeatures, display elements and backing can be installed within the frameof the first display assembly such that the support member is no longervisible. Alternatively, in use, it is contemplated that the cover,visual features such as photographs, for example and without limitation,other display elements, and backing can be inserted into the displayassembly prior to engagement of the display assembly by the supportmember. Prior to proper positioning of the first display assembly, thecover, visual features, display elements, and backing can be installedwithin the frame of the first display assembly, and then the firstdisplay assembly can be properly positioned in engagement with the atleast one support member.

In exemplary aspects, the backing 50 can have a central opening 58, andthe at least one support member can comprise a mount subassembly 80having: (a) a base plate 82 defining a slot 84 positioned in alignmentwith the central opening 58 of the backing; (b) a bolt 88 having athreaded shaft portion 90 configured to be received through the slot ofthe base plate and the central opening of the backing; and (c) a nut 92configured for threaded engagement with a distal end 91 of the threadedshaft portion of the bolt to secure the base plate against a rearsurface of the backing. It is contemplated that, with the nut 92detached from the bolt 88, the display assembly 10 can be selectivelyand freely rotated about the bolt (in 360 degrees) to thereby adjust theangular tilt or orientation of the display assembly (and any otherdisplay assembly connected to the display assembly as further disclosedherein) without the need for disconnecting the mount subassembly 80 froma wall or other surface. For example, it is contemplated that thedisplay assembly 10 can be adjusted from a vertical orientation to ahorizontal orientation (or from a horizontal orientation to a verticalorientation) without the need for removing the display assembly from themount subassembly 80. Optionally, in these aspects, the slot 84 of thebase plate 82 can have a length (e.g., horizontal) dimension thatextends beyond the central opening 58 of the backing 50 to permitselective adjustment of the position (e.g., horizontal position) of thebacking (and display assembly) relative to the base plate without theneed for re-positioning the mount subassembly 80. Additionally, when adisplay system comprises multiple mount subassemblies, it iscontemplated that the slot of the base plate of a first mount assemblycan permit adjustment of the space between other display assemblies (ordisplay systems) that are supported by a different mount assembly.Optionally, in further aspects, the mount subassembly 80 can furthercomprise a rubber gasket 94 having a slot 96 that is positioned inalignment with the slot 84 of the base plate 82 and configured forpositioning between the base plate and the backing 50 to permit receiptof the threaded shaft portion 90 of the bolt 88 through the base plate,the rubber gasket, and the backing.

In further exemplary aspects, the frame 20 can comprise at least onealignment feature 44 extending inwardly from at least one side portion22 of the frame. In these aspects, the at least one alignment feature 44can define an alignment opening 46. In additional aspects, the backing50 can define at least one peripheral opening 60, and each peripheralopening of the backing can be configured to be positioned in alignmentwith a corresponding alignment opening 46 of the at least one alignmentfeature 44.

Optionally, in further aspects, the at least one alignment feature 44can comprise opposed first and second alignment features, and each ofthe first and second alignment features can define a respectivealignment opening 46. Optionally, in these aspects, the at least oneperipheral opening 60 of the backing 50 can comprise opposed first andsecond peripheral openings.

In additional aspects, the display assembly 10 can further comprise atleast one peripheral fastener 100 and at least one peripheral nut 104.In these aspects, each peripheral fastener 100 can be configured forreceipt through a corresponding peripheral opening 60 of the backing 50and a corresponding alignment opening 46 of the at least one alignmentfeature 44. The at least one peripheral nut 104 can be configured forthreaded engagement with a distal end 102 of a corresponding peripheralfastener 100 of the at least one peripheral fastener.

Optionally, in further aspects, and with reference to FIGS. 6A-7B, theat least one peripheral opening 60 of the backing 50 can compriseopposed first and second alignment slots 62 that permit adjustment ofthe position of a respective peripheral fastener 100 relative to alength of the corresponding alignment slot. Optionally, in theseaspects, the first and second alignment features 44 of the frame 20 canextend from the inner surface of the frame along a first axis 48, andthe first and second alignment slots 62 can be oriented parallel orsubstantially parallel to the first axis. The alignment opening 46 ofeach of the first and second alignment features 44 can comprise anelongate slot that is in alignment with the first and second alignmentslots 62, respectively.

Optionally, in further aspects, the backing 50 can be selectivelyexpandable or retractable relative to the first axis 48. In theseaspects, and as shown in FIGS. 7A-7B, it is contemplated that thebacking 50 can comprise at least one extension portion 55 that isslidably coupled to a base portion 53 of the backing to permit movementof the extension portion along the first axis. It is furthercontemplated that the base portion 53 and the extension portion 55 ofthe backing can define respective slot portions that cooperate to format least one of the first and second alignment slots 62 of the backing.Optionally, the at least one extension portion 55 can comprise twoextension portions positioned on opposite ends of the base portion 53.

In further optional aspects, rather than comprising an extensionportion, the base portion 53 of the backing can have slot portions thatdefine respective alignment slots 62 of the backing and projectoutwardly from the base portion. In these aspects, it is contemplatedthat the first and second alignment slots 46 defined by the first andsecond alignment features 44 of the frame can be aligned with thealignment slots 62 of the slot portions of the base portion of thebacking.

In use, it is contemplated that at least one peripheral fastener 100 canbe selectively loosened or removed to permit axial movement of the framerelative to the backing and mount subassembly. More particularly, theslots defined by the first and second alignment features 44 of the framecan permit axial movement of the frame relative to the backing and themount subassembly, and the previously loosened or removed peripheralfastener 100 can be tightened after a desired vertical position of theframe is reached.

Additionally, or alternatively, when the backing 50 comprises at leastone extension portion 55, it is contemplated that the at least oneextension portion can translate axially relative to the base portion 53to thereby permit selective adjustment of the profile of the backingstructure. Such adjustment can be useful, for example, to accommodateframes of different sizes.

In other exemplary aspects, the base plate 82 can define at least oneattachment opening 86 spaced outwardly from the slot 84 of the baseplate. In these aspects, the display assembly 10 can further comprise atleast one attachment fastener (not shown) configured for receipt throughthe at least one attachment opening 86 of the base plate 82 to securethe display assembly to the selected surface. In additional aspects, therubber gasket 94 can define at least one attachment opening 97positioned for alignment with a corresponding attachment opening 86 ofthe base plate 82. In further aspects, the backing can define at leastone attachment opening positioned for alignment with a correspondingattachment opening of the base plate. However, in these aspects, it isunderstood that the backing need not be secured to the base plate usingattachment fasteners.

Optionally, as further depicted in FIGS. 6A-7B, it is contemplated thatthe backing 50 can comprise a leveling tool assembly for level placementof the display assembly 10 onto a selected surface. In an exemplaryaspect, the leveling tool assembly can comprise at least one level vial(e.g., a level bubble vial) 74, 76 configured for selective coupling tothe at least one support member. It is contemplated that the at leastone level vial can be any conventional level vial known in the art.Optionally, the at least one level vial can comprise first and secondleveling vials 74, 76 that are oriented perpendicular to each other topermit use of the leveling tool assembly regardless of the horizontal orvertical orientation of the frame and backing. In a further exemplaryaspect, the at least one leveling tool can be rigidly secured to thefront wall 52 of the backing to permit viewing of the leveling tools asfurther disclosed herein. In these aspects, it is contemplated that theat least one leveling tool can be rigidly secured to the backing using amount or other conventional fastener. Alternatively, it is contemplatedthat the at least one leveling tool can be selectively detachable fromthe backing. Although certain exemplary mechanisms for securing the atleast one leveling tool to the backing are disclosed above, it iscontemplated that any conventional support or engagement mechanism, suchas shelves, frictional engagement, adhesive, hook-and-loop fasteners,and the like can be used. In use, it is contemplated that the levelingtool assembly can allow for confirmation of proper orientation of thebacking and frame before visual features are inserted into the frame,thereby ensuring that the first display assembly secured to the supportmember and all display assemblies coupled to the first display assemblyare also properly oriented.

In use, it is contemplated that the mount subassembly can anchor theframe of a display assembly to a selected surface (e.g., a wall). Asfurther disclosed herein, even after the mount subassembly is secured tothe selected surface, the position of the mount assembly can still beadjusted. First, it is contemplated that the horizontal orientation ofthe mount assembly (and thus, the display assembly) can be fine-tunedbefore being locked into place. This feature avoids the frustrationsassociated with constant re-leveling of conventional frames.Additionally, this feature provides the flexibility needed to accountfor the geometric deficiencies of rooms (e.g., rooms/ceilings that arenot truly square or rectangular) by allowing display assemblies to bemounted at orientations that look level even though they are not truly“level.” Overall, the disclosed mount assembly permits selectivereconsideration and fine-tuning of the horizontal orientation of thedisplay assembly until a user determines the orientation that works bestfor a particular room and application.

Second, as further disclosed herein, the physical position of the mountsubassembly can be adjusted up/down (vertically) and left/right(horizontally) on the selected surface (e.g., a wall), after the mountsubassembly has been secured. Importantly, this capability can allowusers to make use of vertical and/or horizontal positions that providean improved aesthetic look even though the display assembly is not trulycentered on the selected surface (e.g., wall). For example, the exactcenter point between a doorway and a corner of a room does not providethe best aesthetic appearance.

Further, it is contemplated that, depending upon furniture positioningnearby and other factors, a particular display assembly may look betterwhen moved horizontally (left/right) or vertically (up/down). As furtherdisclosed herein, it is contemplated that the described displayassemblies can permit these types of adjustments without the need forputting a new nail/screw hole in a wall or other supporting surface.Thus, the disclosed display assemblies provide an interactive displaysolution that easily and quickly tolerates adjustment to the orientationof the displays without the need for further damage to the wall or othersupporting surface.

Optionally, in another aspect and as shown in FIG. 17A, the displayassembly 10 can comprise a cover 110. In one aspect, the cover canextend over at least a portion of the central opening 36 of the frame 20of the display assembly 10. In another aspect, the cover 110 can besubstantially transparent. In another aspect, the cover 110 can compriseplastic, glass, an acrylic material, acetate, or combinations thereof.It is contemplated that the cover can be configured to permit viewing ofthe at least one visual feature through the cover.

In another exemplary aspect, the display assembly 10 can comprise atleast one display surface 130. In one aspect, the at least one displaysurface 130 can be configured for positioning in communication with(optionally, within) the central opening 36 of the frame 20. It iscontemplated that the at least one display surface 130 can be configuredto display at least one visual feature of the plurality of visualfeatures. Optionally, in exemplary aspects, the at least one displaysurface 130 can be operatively associated with a reinforcement materialthat has a rear surface configured to rest on the ledge of the frame anda front surface configured to support at least one visual feature of theplurality of visual features within the central opening of the frame. Insome aspects, the front surface of the reinforcement material cancomprise a canvas, a chalkboard, a cork board, a bulletin board, awhiteboard, a magnetic board, drawing paper, or combinations thereof.Alternatively, in other aspects, at least one display surface can besecured to the front surface of the reinforcement material, and theleast one display surface can comprise a canvas, a chalkboard, a corkboard, a bulletin board, a whiteboard, a magnetic board, drawing paper,an electronic display panel, or combinations thereof. Optionally, inexemplary aspects, the at least one display surface can comprise anelectronic display panel selected from the group consisting of an liquidcrystal display (LCD) screen, a light emitting diode (LED) screen, anelectroluminescent display (ELD) screen, a plasma display panel (PDP)screen, a digital light processing (DLP) screen, electronic paper, orcombinations thereof.

In another aspect, the display assembly 10 can comprise at least onelight source (not shown) configured to illuminate the at least onevisual feature. In one aspect, the at least one light source can bedisposed on at least a portion of the frame 20. In another aspect, theat least one light source can be positioned inside a light fixture. Inthis aspect, at least a portion of the light fixture can be configuredto connect to at least a portion of the frame 20. In another aspect, thedisplay assembly 10 can comprise a light box. It is contemplated thatthe light box can be an LED light box, a backlit light box or any otherlight box that is known in the art. It is further contemplated that thedisplay assembly 10 can comprise a programmable circuit board disposedwithin at least a portion of the central opening 36. In another aspect,the display assembly 10 can comprise a stepper motor that can beconnected to the circuit board. In this aspect, the circuit board can beused to control the stepper motor. For example, an Arduino circuitboard, as is known in the art, can be used to control the stepper motor.It is contemplated that the circuit board can be programmed to controlthe brightness and color of the lights of the at least one light source.It is further contemplated that the circuit board can be programmed toturn the lights on and off.

In another aspect, it is contemplated that the circuit boards or otherprocessing circuitry can be programmed to communicate (optionally,wirelessly communicate) with a computer or a remote computing device(e.g., a smartphone, PDA, tablet, and the like) such that a user canchange the at least one visual feature to another at least one visualfeature from a remote location. In this aspect, it is furthercontemplated that the disclosed system can comprise at least onewireless transmitter/receiver communicatively coupled with theprocessing circuitry to permit communication with the computer or remotecomputing device of the user. In yet another aspect, it is contemplatedthat the processing circuitry can be programmable or otherwiseconfigured to: alter the arrangements of visual features displayed on aplurality of display assemblies; alter a display mode of selected groupsof display assemblies (for example, from a first mode in which eachdisplay assembly displays a respective visual feature to a second modein which each display assembly cooperates with other display assembliesto form a single visual feature); sequentially and cyclically display asequence of visual features on one or more display assemblies;selectively adjust the light output (color, duration, etc.) of the lightsources of one or more selected display assemblies, and the like.

In still a further aspect, it is contemplated that the processingcircuitry can comprise a microcontroller that is preprogrammed withdesired parameters for operation of the system such that input from auser is not required to initiate changes in display characteristics ofthe system.

Display Assemblies Having a Single Projection with Opposed Rail Portions

In exemplary aspects, and with reference to FIGS. 9A-9BA, 11A-14C, and17A-19, a display assembly 200 with a frame 210 having an alternativeside portion profile can be provided. In these aspects, the frame 210can have a plurality of side portions 212 that cooperate to define acentral opening 240 that is configured to receive at least one visualfeature. The central opening 240 can have a central axis 242 passingthrough a center point 244 of the frame 210. In additional aspects, atleast one side portion 212 (optionally, each side portion) of the frame210 can comprise: (a) a base portion 214 having opposed inner and outersurfaces 216, 218; and (b) a projection 220 having an arm section 222that extends outwardly from the outer surface of the base portion andfirst and second rail sections 224, 226 extending from the arm sectionin opposite directions that are parallel or substantially parallel tothe central axis. In these aspects, the first rail section 224, the armsection 222, and the outer surface 218 of the base portion 214 cancooperate to define a first receiving space 228, and the second railsection 226, the arm section, and the outer surface of the base portioncan cooperate to define a second receiving space 230. In use, eachreceiving space 228, 230 can be configured to at least partially receivea portion of a connector that is slidingly inserted into the receivingspaces in a direction perpendicular or substantially perpendicular tothe central axis.

In further aspects, the inner surface 216 of the base portion 214 ofeach side portion 212 of the at least one side portion can define aledge 232 that is recessed from a front surface of the frame 210.

In still further aspects, the first and second rail sections 224, 226 donot extend along an entire length of the projection 220 of the sideportion 212 of the at least one side portion of the frame 210. In theseaspects, it is contemplated that the first and second rail sections 224,226 can taper and/or terminate proximate opposing ends of the sideportion 212 (where the side portion adjoins other side portions),thereby providing additional clearance for engagement with a connectoras disclosed herein.

Except as otherwise indicated, it is contemplated that the displayassembly 200 can have the same features and components disclosed abovewith respect to display assembly 10.

Display Systems and Methods

In use, and as further disclosed herein, the display assemblies 10, 200can be configured for selective positioning relative to at least oneother display assembly

In exemplary aspects, and with reference to FIGS. 2-8G and 10A-19, thedisplay assemblies 10, 200 disclosed herein can be used in a system 150,250 for selectively arranging a plurality of visual features. In oneaspect, the system 150, 250 can comprise a plurality of displayassemblies 10, 200. In one aspect, it is contemplated that the frame 20,210 of at least one display assembly 10, 200 of the plurality of displayassemblies can have a different shape than the frame 20, 210 of at leastone other display assembly of the plurality of display assemblies, asdepicted in FIGS. 8F and 8G and FIGS. 18A-19. In another aspect, theframe 20, 210 of at least one display assembly 10, 200 of the pluralityof display assemblies can have a different size (in at least onedimension) than the frame 20, 210 of at least one other display assemblyof the plurality of display assemblies, as shown in FIGS. 8A-8B andFIGS. 18A-19. In yet another aspect, the frame 20, 210 of each displayassembly 10, 200 of the plurality of display assemblies can comprise adifferent color than the frame 20, 210 of at least one other displayassembly of the plurality of display assemblies. It is contemplated thatthe frame 20, 210 of at least one display assembly 10, 200 can be clearor translucent. In still a further aspect, the frame 20, 210 of eachdisplay assembly 10, 200 of the plurality of display assemblies cancomprise a different material than the frame 20, 210 of at least oneother display assembly of the plurality of display assemblies.Alternatively, the frame 20, 210 of each display assembly 10, 200 of theplurality of display assemblies can comprise the same material. It iscontemplated that the frame 20, 210 of each display assembly 10, 200 ofthe plurality of display assemblies can comprise wood, plastic, acrylicmaterial, vinyl, fabric, metal, stone, or combinations thereof In use,it is contemplated that at least a first display assembly of theplurality of display assemblies is configured to be secured to aselected surface.

Optionally, in exemplary aspects, the outer surfaces of the frames ofdisplay assemblies 10, 200 of the display systems 150, 250 disclosedherein can be selectively provided with one or more surface treatmentsto vary the texture of connecting surfaces within the system. In variousaspects, the surface treatments can be configured to increase thestrength of attachment and/or fixation of each frame relative toadjacent frames of the system. For example, in one aspect, at least aportion of an outer surface of the frame of one display assembly canhave a rubberized or roughened texture that increases the frictionalengagement with an adjacent surface of the frame of a second displayassembly. In this aspect, it is contemplated that the increasedfrictional engagement between the adjacent frames can make it moredifficult (require more force) to move the frames relative to oneanother. In exemplary aspects, corresponding outer surfaces of theframes of a plurality of adjacent display assemblies within a system canbe provided with similar surface treatments to increase frictionalengagement throughout the display system.

In use, the display assemblies and systems disclosed herein can be usedin a method for selectively arranging a plurality of visual features. Invarious aspects, the method can comprise positioning a plurality ofdisplay assemblies onto a surface. In one aspect, it is contemplatedthat the surface can be a horizontal surface. Alternatively, in anotheraspect, it is contemplated that the surface can be a vertical surface.In other aspects, the method can comprise selectively arranging eachdisplay assembly 10, 200 of the plurality of display assemblies relativeto at least one other display assembly. It is contemplated that eachdisplay assembly 10, 200 of the plurality of display assemblies can beconfigured for selective positioning relative to at least one otherdisplay assembly of the plurality of display assemblies to alignadjacent side portions of the frames of the display assemblies to permitconnection between the display assemblies as further disclosed herein.

In further exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that a display systemcan be formed with a plurality of display assemblies having digitaldisplays as further disclosed herein. In these aspects, it iscontemplated that the digital displays of the plurality of displayassemblies can cooperate to produce a desired visual effect. Forexample, it is contemplated that each respective digital display can beconfigured to display a portion of an image, with the digital displayscooperating to display the entire image. Thus, it is furthercontemplated that the display assemblies can be selectively positionedrelative to one another to ensure that the digital displays are properlyoriented relative to one another to achieve the desired visual effect.It is still further contemplated that the timing of the display ofvisual features on each digital display can be coordinated with thetiming of the display of visual features on other digital displays ofthe display system to achieve the desired visual effect. For example, adigital display of a first display assembly can be configured totransition from displaying a first image to displaying a second image ata selected time, and a digital display of a second display assembly canbe configured to transition from displaying a third image to displayinga fourth image at the selected time, thereby coordinating thetransitioning of displayed images among the display assemblies. It iscontemplated that conventional image processing software can be used todetermine the configuration and size of each image with respect to theconfiguration and size of a corresponding display assembly.

Connectors for Display Assemblies Having Side Portions with TwoProjections

In further aspects, and with reference to FIGS. 3A-5C, the system 150can further comprise a connector 160 (optionally, a plurality ofconnectors). In use, it is contemplated that each side portion 22 of theframe 20 of a first display assembly 10 of the plurality of displayassemblies can be configured for connection to an aligned side portionof a frame of a second display assembly using the connector 160 when theconnector is at least partially received within the receiving spaces 30of the aligned side portions of the frames of the first and seconddisplay assemblies.

Optionally, in exemplary aspects, the connector 160 can comprise (a) anelongate body 162 having opposed front and rear surfaces 164, 166; and(b) first and second projections 168, 172 extending from the rearsurface of the elongate body. In these aspects, the first and secondprojections 168, 172 can be configured for receipt within respectivereceiving spaces 30 of the aligned side portions of the frames of thefirst and second display assemblies. Optionally, in additional aspects,the first and second projections 168, 172 can be configured forfrictional engagement with portions of the frames 20 of the first andsecond display assemblies that define the respective receiving spaces 30of the aligned side portions of the frames of the first and seconddisplay assemblies.

Additionally, or alternatively, in other aspects, the first and secondprojections 168, 172 of the connector 160 can be biased to a closedposition in which distal end portions 169, 173 of the first and secondprojections extend toward one another. In these aspects, uponpositioning of the first and second projections 168, 172 of theconnector 160 within the respective receiving spaces 30 of the alignedside portions of the frames of the first and second display assemblies,the first and second projections of the connector can be configured toapply a clamping force against the aligned side portions of the framesof the first and second display assemblies (more specifically, againstthe interior surfaces of the first projections 26 of the side portions).Optionally, the distal end portions 169, 173 of the first and secondprojections 168, 172 of the connector 160 can comprise rubber or acoating material that reduces the risk of damage to the frame 20 whileproviding sufficient gripping strength. In exemplary aspects, theconnector 160 can optionally comprise first and second handles 170, 174respectively secured to the first and second projections 168, 172 of theconnector 160. Optionally, in these aspects, the system 150 can furthercomprise an engagement tool (not shown) configured to simultaneouslyengage the first and second handles 170, 174 and move the first andsecond projections 168, 172 of the connector 160 away from the closedposition toward an open position. One suitable example of such anengagement tool is a set of pliers having a complementary shape forengagement with end portions of the handles that project above the frontsurface of the connector.

Optionally, it is contemplated that the connectors 160 disclosed hereincan be angularly oriented to permit connection of a second displayassembly to a first display assembly at a desired angle. For example, itis contemplated that the connectors 160 can be angularly oriented topermit connection of adjacent display assemblies at angles ranging fromabout 15 degrees to about 165 degrees or from about 60 degrees to about120 degrees. It is contemplated that these angular orientations can beuseful when constructing three-dimension displays, such as table-topdisplays. However, such angular orientations may also be useful inproducing three-dimensional wall-mounted displays.

Methods of Using Display Assemblies Having Side Portions with TwoProjections

As further disclosed herein, the disclosed system 150 can be used toselectively position display assemblies 10 on a selected surface, suchas a wall. In exemplary aspects, a method can comprise using theconnector of the system 150 to connect aligned side portions of theframes of the first and second display assemblies. In these aspects, theconnector can be at least partially received within the receiving spacesof the aligned side portions of the frames of the first and seconddisplay assemblies. Thus, the disclosed system 150 allows for adjustingor removing connections between adjacent display assemblies without theneed for removing the mounting assembly from the wall or othersupporting surface. This capability also permits orientation adjustmentof one or more display assemblies without the need for disassembling theentire system. In contrast, conventional approaches for securing framesrequire disassembly and/or removal of the entire frame system before theposition of a single frame can be adjusted. Further, it is contemplatedthat the receipt of portions of a connector within receiving spaces ofaligned side portions of adjacent frames can provide for secure buteasily adjustable connections.

In additional aspects, the method can further comprise, followingconnection of the first and second display assemblies, attaching thefirst display assembly to a selected surface. In these aspects, thefirst display assembly can comprise a mount subassembly as disclosedherein, such as a mount subassembly having: (a) a base plate defining aslot positioned in alignment with a central opening of the backing ofthe first display assembly; (b) a bolt having a threaded shaft portionconfigured to be received through the slot of the base plate of thefirst display assembly and the central opening of the backing of thefirst display assembly; and (c) a nut configured for threaded engagementwith a distal end of the threaded shaft portion of the bolt to securethe base plate of the first display assembly against a rear surface ofthe backing of the first display assembly. In further aspects, the slotof the base plate of the first display assembly can have a horizontaldimension that extends beyond the central opening of the backing of thefirst display assembly; and the method can further comprise selectivelyadjusting a position of the backing of the first display assemblyrelative to the base plate of the first display assembly.

In use, it is contemplated that the mount subassemblies as disclosedherein can allow for easy adjustment of the orientation of one or moredisplay assemblies without the need for removing the mount subassemblyfrom the wall (or other surface) and/or securing the mount subassemblyat a new location on the wall (or other surface). This capability allowsthe disclosed system to accommodate a wide range of potential frameconfigurations from a single mount location.

In further aspects, it is contemplated that the second display assemblyis not directly attached to the selected surface. In still furtheraspects, it is contemplated that the first display assembly is the onlydisplay assembly of the plurality of display assemblies that is attachedto the selected surface.

Connectors for Display Assemblies Having Side Portions with OneProjection

In additional aspects, the system 250 can further comprise a connector260. In these aspects, each side portion of the frame of a first displayassembly of the plurality of display assemblies can be configured forconnection to an aligned side portion of a frame of a second displayassembly using the connector when the connector is at least partiallyslidingly received within the receiving spaces of the aligned sideportions of the frames of the first and second display assemblies.

Optionally, in exemplary aspects, the connector 260 can comprise anelongate body 266 having front and rear engagement portions 268, 278that respectively define front and rear surfaces 262, 264 of theconnector. In these aspects, each of the front and rear engagementportions 268, 278 can comprise opposed first and second guide portions270, 272, 280, 282 extending outwardly in opposite directions from theelongate body 266. In use, the first guide portion 270 of the frontengagement portion 268 can be configured for at least partial insertionwithin the first receiving space 228 of the first display assembly, thefirst guide portion 280 of the rear engagement portion 278 can beconfigured for at least partial insertion within the second receivingspace 230 of the first display assembly, the second guide portion 272 ofthe front engagement portion can be configured for at least partialinsertion within the first receiving space of the second displayassembly, and the second guide portion 282 of the rear engagementportion 278 can be configured for at least partial insertion within thesecond receiving space of the second display assembly. In exemplaryaspects, it is contemplated that each guide portion 270, 272, 280, 282can have an L-shaped profile or a substantially L-shaped profile. Inthese aspects, it is contemplated that, extending outwardly from alongitudinal axis of the elongate body, the guide portion can have afirst segment that is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular tothe minimal diameter portion of the elongate body as shown in FIGS.10A-10B, and a second segment that is perpendicular or substantiallyperpendicular to the first segment (and parallel or substantiallyparallel to the minimal diameter portion of the elongate body). Moregenerally, it is contemplated that the guide portions can have compoundshapes that permit at least a portion of the guide portions to remainoutside the receiving spaces of the projections of the frames whileother portions of the guide portions are received within the receivingspaces.

Optionally, the system 250 can further comprise a coupling subassemblyconfigured to securely fix a position of the connector relative to thealigned side portions of the first and second display assemblies.

In one exemplary aspect, and with reference to FIGS. 14A-15D, thecoupling subassembly 290 can comprise first and second elongate bodies292. In this aspect, each elongate body 292 can have: opposed front andrear surfaces; and a projection 295 extending outwardly from the rearsurface of the elongate body. It is contemplated that the projection 295can have a thickness less than a thickness of the elongate body 292. Inuse, the projection of the first elongate body can be configured forinsertion between, and frictional engagement with, the first guideportion of the front engagement portion of the connector and the outersurface of the base portion of the frame of the first display assembly.In use, the projection of the second elongate body can be configured forinsertion between, and frictional engagement with, the second guideportion of the front engagement portion of the connector and the outersurface of the base portion of the frame of the second display assembly.

Optionally, and with reference to FIGS. 15A-15D, the front engagementportion 268 of the connector 260 can define opposed axial slots 274 thatare configured to receive a portion of the projections 295 of the firstand second elongate bodies 292 of the coupling subassembly 290 (as theprojections are inserted between the front engagement portion of theconnector and the base portion of the frame).

Optionally, the front engagement portion 268 of the connector 260 andthe first and second elongate bodies 292 of the coupling subassembly 290can comprise respective magnets 276, 298 that are configured foralignment with one another to establish a magnetic attraction betweenthe magnets of the connector and the coupling subassembly. Optionally,it is contemplated that the magnets 298 of the first and second elongatebodies 292 of the coupling subassembly 290 and the front engagementportion 268 of the connector 260 can be respectively operativelyassociated with the front surface of the front engagement portion of theconnector and a bottom surface of the first and second elongate bodies.In exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the magnets can be fixedto the front engagement portion and the first and second elongate bodiessuch that each magnet operates with a single, consistent polarity (thatis opposite the polarity of the magnet with which it is aligned atmaximum frictional engagement). Optionally, it is contemplated that thefront engagement portion and the first and second elongate bodies candefine receptacles that are configured to securely receive one or moremagnets.

In another exemplary aspect, and with reference to FIGS. 16A-16B, thecoupling subassembly 300 can comprise first and second engagement wheels310 respectively rotationally coupled to the first and second guideportions 270, 272 of the front engagement portion 268 of the connector260. In this aspect, the first and second engagement wheels 310 can beconfigured for rotation relative to a rotation axis 312 that isperpendicular to a length of the connector. In another aspect, thecoupling subassembly 300 can further comprise first and second actuatorarms 314 respectively coupled to the first and second engagement wheels310 and configured to effect rotation of the first and second engagementwheels relative to the rotation axis. In use, it is contemplated thatrotation of the first and second engagement wheels in a first directioncan produce increased frictional engagement between the engagementwheels and the projections of the frames of the aligned side portions ofthe first and second display assemblies, and that rotation of the firstand second engagement wheels in a second direction opposed from thefirst direction can produce reduced frictional engagement between theengagement wheels and the projections of the frames of the aligned sideportions of the first and second display assemblies.

In further aspects, the first and second actuator arms 314 and the frontengagement portion of the connector can comprise respective magnets 316,276 that are configured for alignment with one another to establish amagnetic attraction between the actuator arms and the connector when thefirst and second engagement wheels have reached maximum frictionalengagement with the projections of the frames of the aligned sideportions of the first and second display assemblies. Optionally, it iscontemplated that the magnets of the first and second actuator arms andthe front engagement portion of the connector can be respectivelyoperatively associated with the front surface of the front engagementportion of the connector and a bottom surface of the first and secondactuator arms. In exemplary aspects, it is contemplated that the magnetscan be fixed to the front engagement portion and the first and secondactuator arms such that each magnet operates with a single, consistentpolarity (that is opposite the polarity of the magnet with which it isaligned at maximum frictional engagement). Optionally, it iscontemplated that the front engagement portion and the first and secondactuator arms can define receptacles that are configured to securelyreceive one or more magnets.

Kits

Packaging kits comprising articles of manufacture, devices and systemsof the present disclosure are described herein. The kits can comprise,for example, at least one display assembly having a frame 20,210, abacking 50, and at least one cover 110 as described herein. The kits canfurther comprise components of a mount subassembly 80 as disclosedherein. The kits can further comprise a connector 160, 260 as disclosedherein. When a connector 260 is provided, the kits can further include acoupling subassembly 290, 300. The kits can further compriseinstructions for assembling the parts of the display assembly 10, 200together as described herein. In another aspect, the kits can compriseinstructions for attaching, securing or connecting a mount subassembly80 to a selected surface as described herein. In still further aspects,the kit can comprise instructions for connecting the display assembly10, 200 to at least one other display assembly using a connector asdisclosed herein. In additional optional aspects, the kit can comprise acontainer (e.g., a box) that encloses the described products and thatcan be selectively opened to provide access to the products.

Exemplary Aspects

Aspect 1: A display assembly comprising: a frame having a plurality ofside portions that cooperate to define a central opening that isconfigured to receive at least one visual feature, wherein at least oneside portion of the frame comprises: a base portion defining a portionof a rear surface of the frame; and first and second projectionsextending from the base portion in a first direction away from the rearsurface of the frame, wherein the first and second projections define areceiving space that extends along a length of the side portion, andwherein the receiving space is configured to at least partially receivea portion of a connector that is inserted into the receiving space in asecond direction opposite the first direction.

Aspect 2: The display assembly of aspect 1, wherein the first projectionof the at least one side portion of the frame defines a portion of anouter edge of the frame.

Aspect 3: The display assembly of aspect 2, wherein the at least oneside portion of the frame has an inner edge portion that defines aninner edge of the frame, and wherein the second projection of the atleast one side portion of the frame is positioned radially between thereceiving space and the inner edge portion.

Aspect 4: The display assembly of aspect 3, wherein the first projectionof the at least one side portion of the frame has a first heightrelative to the rear surface of the frame, wherein the second projectionof the at least one side portion of the frame has a second heightrelative to the rear surface of the frame, and wherein the second heightis greater than the first height.

Aspect 5: The display assembly of aspect 4, wherein the inner edgeportion of the at least one side portion of the frame is recessed fromthe second projection in the second direction to define a ledge.

Aspect 6: The display assembly of aspect 5, wherein the ledge has aheight relative to the rear surface of the frame that is less than thefirst height.

Aspect 7: The display assembly of aspect 6, wherein the first and secondprojections have respective thicknesses, and wherein the thickness ofthe first projection is less than the thickness of the secondprojection.

Aspect 8: The display assembly of any one of aspects 1-7, wherein thefirst and second projections and the inner edge portion of the at leastone side portion of the frame are integrally formed as a unitary,monolithic structure.

Aspect 9: The display assembly of any one of aspects 1-7, wherein the atleast one side portion of the frame comprises each side portion of theframe.

Aspect 10: The display assembly of aspect 9, wherein the first andsecond projections and the receiving space extend circumferentially andcontiguously around the central opening of the frame.

Aspect 11: The display assembly of aspect 10, wherein the plurality ofside portions comprises at least three side portions.

Aspect 12: The display assembly of aspect 10, wherein the plurality ofside portions comprises at least four side portions.

Aspect 13: The display assembly of any one of aspects 1-12, furthercomprising a backing having a front wall and an opposed back wall,wherein at least a portion of the backing is configured for selectiveoperative coupling to the frame of a respective display assembly, andwherein, upon operative coupling of the backing to the frame of thedisplay assembly, at least a portion of the backing is positioned incommunication with the central opening.

Aspect 14: The display assembly of aspect 13, further comprising atleast one support member configured to support the display assembly inan operative position relative to a selected surface.

Aspect 15: The display assembly of aspect 14, wherein the at least onesupport member is configured to secure the display assembly to theselected surface.

Aspect 16: The display assembly of aspect 14, wherein the at least onesupport member comprises a strut back, a stand, a metal tab, a hole, abracket, a wire, a cleat, a plaque with at least one magnetic attachmentpoint, or combinations thereof.

Aspect 17: The display assembly of aspect 15, wherein the backing has acentral opening and first and second leveling tools orientedperpendicular to one another, and wherein the at least one supportmember comprises a mount subassembly having: a base plate defining aslot positioned in alignment with the central opening of the backing; abolt having a threaded shaft portion configured to be received throughthe slot of the base plate and the central opening of the backing; and anut configured for threaded engagement with a distal end of the threadedshaft portion of the bolt to secure the base plate against a rearsurface of the backing.

Aspect 18: The display assembly of aspect 17, wherein the slot of thebase plate has a horizontal dimension that extends beyond the centralopening of the backing to permit selective adjustment of the position ofthe backing relative to the base plate.

Aspect 19: The display assembly of aspect 18, wherein the mountsubassembly further comprises a rubber gasket having a slot that ispositioned in alignment with the slot of the base plate and configuredfor positioning between the base plate and the backing to permit receiptof the threaded shaft portion of the bolt through the base plate, therubber gasket, and the backing.

Aspect 20: The display assembly of any one of aspects 17-19, wherein theframe comprises at least one alignment feature extending inwardly fromat least one side portion of the frame, wherein the at least onealignment feature defines an alignment opening, wherein the backingdefines at least one peripheral opening, and wherein each peripheralopening of the backing is configured to be positioned in alignment witha corresponding alignment opening of the at least one alignment feature.

Aspect 21: The display assembly of aspect 20, wherein the at least onealignment feature comprises opposed first and second alignment features,wherein each of the first and second alignment features defines arespective alignment opening, and wherein the at least one peripheralopening of the backing comprises opposed first and second peripheralopenings.

Aspect 22: The display assembly of any one of aspects 20-21, furthercomprising: at least one peripheral fastener, each peripheral fastenerbeing configured for receipt through a corresponding peripheral openingof the backing and a corresponding alignment opening of the at least onealignment feature; and at least one peripheral nut configured forthreaded engagement with a distal end of a corresponding peripheralfastener of the at least one peripheral fastener.

Aspect 23: The display assembly of aspect 22, wherein the at least oneperipheral opening of the backing comprises opposed first and secondalignment slots that permit adjustment of the position of a respectiveperipheral fastener relative to a length of the corresponding alignmentslot.

Aspect 24: The display assembly of aspect 23, wherein the first andsecond alignment features of the frame extend from the inner surface ofthe frame along a first axis, and wherein the first and second alignmentslots are oriented parallel or substantially parallel to the first axis.

Aspect 25: The display assembly of aspect 24, wherein the backing isselectively expandable relative to the first axis, wherein the backingcomprises at least one expansion portion that is slidably coupled to abase portion of the backing to permit movement of the expansion portionalong the first axis, and wherein the base portion and the expansionportion of the backing define respective slot portions that cooperate toform at least one of the first and second alignment slots of thebacking.

Aspect 26: The display assembly of any one of aspects 17-25, wherein thebase plate defines at least one attachment opening spaced outwardly fromthe slot of the base plate, and wherein the display assembly furthercomprises at least one attachment fastener configured for receiptthrough the at least one attachment opening of the base plate to securethe display assembly to the selected surface.

Aspect 27: The display assembly of aspect 26, wherein the backingdefines at least one attachment opening positioned for alignment with acorresponding attachment opening of the base plate.

Aspect 28: The display assembly of any one of aspects 1-27, furthercomprising a cover extending over at least a portion of the centralopening of the frame.

Aspect 29: The display assembly of aspect 28, wherein the cover istransparent or substantially transparent.

Aspect 30: The display assembly of aspect 29, wherein the covercomprises plastic, glass, an acrylic material, or combinations thereof.

Aspect 31: The display assembly of any one of aspects 5-7, furthercomprising a reinforcement material that has a rear surface configuredto rest on the ledge of the frame and a front surface configured tosupport at least one visual feature of the plurality of visual featureswithin the central opening of the frame, and wherein the cover isconfigured to permit viewing of the at least one visual feature throughthe cover.

Aspect 32: The display assembly of aspect 31, wherein the front surfaceof the reinforcement material comprises a canvas, a chalkboard, a corkboard, a bulletin board, a whiteboard, a magnetic board, drawing paper,or combinations thereof

Aspect 33: The display assembly of aspect 31, wherein at least onedisplay surface is secured to the front surface of the reinforcementmaterial, and wherein the least one display surface comprises a canvas,a chalkboard, a cork board, a bulletin board, a whiteboard, a magneticboard, drawing paper, an electronic display panel, or combinationsthereof.

Aspect 34: The display assembly of aspect 33, wherein the at least onedisplay surface comprises an electronic display panel selected from thegroup consisting of an liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, a lightemitting diode (LED) screen, an electroluminescent display (ELD) screen,a plasma display panel (PDP) screen, a digital light processing (DLP)screen, electronic paper, or combinations thereof.

Aspect 35: The display assembly of any one of the preceding claims,wherein the frame of the display assembly comprises wood, plastic,acrylic, vinyl, fabric, metal, stone, or combinations thereof.

Aspect 36: A system comprising a plurality of display assemblies asrecited in any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least a firstdisplay assembly of the plurality of display assemblies is configured tobe secured to a selected surface.

Aspect 37: The system of aspect 36, wherein the frame of at least onedisplay assembly of the plurality of display assemblies has a differentshape than the frame of at least one other display assembly of theplurality of display assemblies.

Aspect 38: The system of aspect 36, wherein the frame of at least onedisplay assembly of the plurality of display assemblies has a differentsize than the frame of at least one other display assembly of theplurality of display assemblies.

Aspect 39: The system of any one of aspects 36-38, further comprising aconnector, wherein each side portion of the frame of a first displayassembly of the plurality of display assemblies is configured forconnection to an aligned side portion of a frame of a second displayassembly using the connector when the connector is at least partiallyreceived within the receiving spaces of the aligned side portions of theframes of the first and second display assemblies.

Aspect 40: The system of aspect 39, wherein the connector comprises: anelongate body having opposed front and rear surfaces; and first andsecond projections extending from the rear surface of the elongate body,wherein the first and second projections are configured for receiptwithin respective receiving spaces of the aligned side portions of theframes of the first and second display assemblies.

Aspect 41: The system of aspect 40, wherein the first and secondprojections are configured for frictional engagement with portions ofthe frames of the first and second display assemblies that define therespective receiving spaces of the aligned side portions of the framesof the first and second display assemblies.

Aspect 42: The system of aspect 40, wherein the first and secondprojections of the connector are biased to a closed position in whichdistal end portions of the first and second projections extend towardone another, wherein upon positioning of the first and secondprojections of the connector within the respective receiving spaces ofthe aligned side portions of the frames of the first and second displayassemblies, the first and second projections of the connector areconfigured to apply a clamping force against the aligned side portionsof the frames of the first and second display assemblies.

Aspect 43: The system of aspect 42, wherein the distal end portions ofthe first and second projections of the connector comprise rubber.

Aspect 44: The system of aspect 42 or aspect 43, wherein the connectorcomprises first and second handles respectively secured to the first andsecond projections of the connector.

Aspect 45: The system of aspect 44, further comprising an engagementtool configured to simultaneously engage the first and second handlesand move the first and second projections of the connector away from theclosed position toward an open position.

Aspect 46: A method comprising: using a system according to any one ofclaims 39-45; and using the connector of the system to connect alignedside portions of the frames of the first and second display assemblies,wherein the connector when the connector is at least partially receivedwithin the receiving spaces of the aligned side portions of the framesof the first and second display assemblies.

Aspect 47: The method of aspect 46, further comprising, followingconnection of the first and second display assemblies: attaching thefirst display assembly to a selected surface, wherein the first displayassembly comprises a mount subassembly having: a base plate defining aslot positioned in alignment with a central opening of the backing ofthe first display assembly; a bolt having a threaded shaft portionconfigured to be received through the slot of the base plate of thefirst display assembly and the central opening of the backing of thefirst display assembly; and a nut configured for threaded engagementwith a distal end of the threaded shaft portion of the bolt to securethe base plate of the first display assembly against a rear surface ofthe backing of the first display assembly, wherein the slot of the baseplate of the first display assembly has a horizontal dimension thatextends beyond the central opening of the backing of the first displayassembly; and selectively adjusting a position of the backing of thefirst display assembly relative to the base plate of the first displayassembly.

Aspect 48: The method of aspect 47, wherein the second display assemblyis not directly attached to the selected surface.

Aspect 49: The method of aspect 47 or aspect 48, wherein the firstdisplay assembly is the only display assembly of the plurality ofdisplay assemblies that is attached to the selected surface.

Aspect 50: The method of any one of aspects 47-49, wherein the selectedsurface is a wall.

Aspect 51: A display assembly comprising: a frame having a plurality ofside portions that cooperate to define a central opening that isconfigured to receive at least one visual feature, the central openinghaving a central axis passing through a center point of the frame,wherein at least one side portion of the frame comprises: a base portionhaving opposed inner and outer surfaces; and a projection having an armsection that extends outwardly from the outer surface of the baseportion and first and second rail sections extending from the armsection in opposite directions that are parallel or substantiallyparallel to the central axis, wherein the first rail section, the armsection, and the outer surface of the base portion cooperate to define afirst receiving space, and wherein the second rail section, the armsection, and the outer surface of the base portion cooperate to define asecond receiving space, wherein each receiving space is configured to atleast partially receive a portion of a connector that is slidinglyinserted into the receiving spaces in a direction perpendicular orsubstantially perpendicular to the central axis.

Aspect 52: The display assembly of aspect 51, wherein the at least oneside portion comprises each side portion of the frame.

Aspect 53: The display assembly of aspect 51 or aspect 52, wherein theinner surface of the base portion of each side portion of the at leastone side portion defines a ledge that is recessed from a front surfaceof the frame.

Aspect 54: The display assembly of any one of aspects 51-53, wherein thefirst and second rail sections do not extend along an entire length ofthe projection of the side portion of the at least one side portion ofthe frame.

Aspect 55: A system comprising a plurality of display assemblies asrecited in any one of aspects 51-54, wherein at least a first displayassembly of the plurality of display assemblies is configured to besecured to a selected surface.

Aspect 56: The system of aspect 55, wherein the frame of at least onedisplay assembly of the plurality of display assemblies has a differentshape than the frame of at least one other display assembly of theplurality of display assemblies.

Aspect 57: The system of aspect 55, wherein the frame of at least onedisplay assembly of the plurality of display assemblies has a differentsize than the frame of at least one other display assembly of theplurality of display assemblies.

Aspect 58: The system of any one of aspects 55-57, further comprising aconnector, wherein each side portion of the frame of a first displayassembly of the plurality of display assemblies is configured forconnection to an aligned side portion of a frame of a second displayassembly using the connector when the connector is at least partiallyslidingly received within the receiving spaces of the aligned sideportions of the frames of the first and second display assemblies.

Aspect 59: The system of aspect 58, wherein the connector comprises: anelongate body having front and rear engagement portions thatrespectively define front and rear surfaces of the connector, whereineach of the front and rear engagement portions comprises opposed firstand second guide portions extending outwardly in opposite directionsfrom the elongate body portion, wherein the first guide portion of thefront engagement portion is configured for at least partial insertionwithin the first receiving space of the first display assembly, whereinthe first guide portion of the rear engagement portion is configured forat least partial insertion within the second receiving space of thefirst display assembly, wherein the second guide portion of the frontengagement portion is configured for at least partial insertion withinthe first receiving space of the second display assembly, wherein thesecond guide portion of the rear engagement portion is configured for atleast partial insertion within the second receiving space of the seconddisplay assembly.

Aspect 60: The system of aspect 59, further comprising a couplingsubassembly configured to securely fix a position of the connectorrelative to the aligned side portions of the first and second displayassemblies.

Aspect 61: The system of aspect 60, wherein the coupling subassemblycomprises: first and second elongate bodies, each elongate body having:opposed front and rear surfaces; and a projection extending outwardlyfrom the rear surface of the elongate body, wherein the projection has athickness less than a thickness of the elongate body, wherein theprojection of the first elongate body is configured for insertionbetween, and frictional engagement with, the first guide portion of thefront engagement portion of the connector and the outer surface of thebase portion of the frame of the first display assembly, and wherein theprojection of the second elongate body is configured for insertionbetween, and frictional engagement with, the second guide portion of thefront engagement portion of the connector and the outer surface of thebase portion of the frame of the second display assembly.

Aspect 62: The system of aspect 61, wherein the front engagement portionof the connector defines opposed axial slots that are configured toreceive a portion of the projections of the first and second elongatebodies of the coupling assembly.

Aspect 63: The system of aspect 61 or aspect 62, wherein the frontengagement portion of the connector and the first and second elongatebodies of the coupling subassembly comprise respective magnets that areconfigured for alignment with one another to establish a magneticattraction between the magnets of the connector and the couplingsubassembly.

Aspect 64: The system of aspect 60, wherein the coupling subassemblycomprises: first and second engagement wheels respectively rotationallycoupled to the first and second guide portions of the front engagementportion of the connector, wherein the first and second engagement wheelsare configured for rotation relative to a rotation axis that isperpendicular to a length of the connector; and first and secondactuator arms respectively coupled to the first and second engagementwheels and configured to effect rotation off the first and secondengagement wheels relative to the rotation axis, wherein rotation of thefirst and second engagement wheels in a first direction producesincreased frictional engagement between the engagement wheels and theprojections of the frames of the aligned side portions of the first andsecond display assemblies, and wherein rotation of the first and secondengagement wheels in a second direction opposed from the first directionproduces reduced frictional engagement between the engagement wheels andthe projections of the frames of the aligned side portions of the firstand second display assemblies.

Aspect 65: The system of aspect 64, wherein the first and secondactuator arms and the front engagement portion of the connector compriserespective magnets that are configured for alignment with one another toestablish a magnetic attraction between the actuator arms and theconnector when the first and second engagement wheels have reachedmaximum frictional engagement with the projections of the frames of thealigned side portions of the first and second display assemblies.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been disclosed in theforegoing specification, it is understood by those skilled in the artthat many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will cometo mind to which the invention pertains, having the benefit of theteaching presented in the foregoing description and associated drawings.It is thus understood that the invention is not limited to the specificembodiments disclosed hereinabove, and that many modifications and otherembodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appendedclaims. Moreover, although specific terms are employed herein, as wellas in the claims which follow, they are used only in a generic anddescriptive sense, and not for the purposes of limiting the describedinvention, nor the claims which follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A display assembly comprising: a frame having aplurality of side portions that cooperate to define a central openingthat is configured to receive at least one visual feature, wherein atleast one side portion of the frame comprises: a base portion defining aportion of a rear surface of the frame; and first and second projectionsextending from the base portion in a first direction away from the rearsurface of the frame, wherein the first and second projections define areceiving space that extends along a length of the side portion, andwherein the receiving space is configured to at least partially receivea portion of a connector that is inserted into the receiving space in asecond direction opposite the first direction.
 2. The display assemblyof claim 1, wherein the first projection of the at least one sideportion of the frame defines a portion of an outer edge of the frame. 3.The display assembly of claim 2, wherein the at least one side portionof the frame has an inner edge portion that defines an inner edge of theframe, and wherein the second projection of the at least one sideportion of the frame is positioned radially between the receiving spaceand the inner edge portion.
 4. The display assembly of claim 3, whereinthe first projection of the at least one side portion of the frame has afirst height relative to the rear surface of the frame, wherein thesecond projection of the at least one side portion of the frame has asecond height relative to the rear surface of the frame, and wherein thesecond height is greater than the first height.
 5. The display assemblyof claim 4, wherein the inner edge portion of the at least one sideportion of the frame is recessed from the second projection in thesecond direction to define a ledge.
 6. The display assembly of claim 5,wherein the ledge has a height relative to the rear surface of the framethat is less than the first height.
 7. The display assembly of claim 6,wherein the first and second projections have respective thicknesses,and wherein the thickness of the first projection is less than thethickness of the second projection.
 8. The display assembly of claim 1,wherein the first and second projections and the receiving space extendcircumferentially and contiguously around the central opening of theframe.
 9. The display assembly of claim 1, further comprising a backinghaving a front wall and an opposed back wall, wherein at least a portionof the backing is configured for selective operative coupling to theframe of a respective display assembly, and wherein, upon operativecoupling of the backing to the frame of the display assembly, at least aportion of the backing is positioned in communication with the centralopening.
 10. The display assembly of claim 9, further comprising atleast one support member configured to support the display assembly inan operative position relative to a selected surface.
 11. The displayassembly of claim 10, wherein the backing has a central opening andfirst and second leveling tools oriented perpendicular to one another,and wherein the at least one support member comprises a mountsubassembly having: a base plate defining a slot positioned in alignmentwith the central opening of the backing; a bolt having a threaded shaftportion configured to be received through the slot of the base plate andthe central opening of the backing; and a nut configured for threadedengagement with a distal end of the threaded shaft portion of the boltto secure the base plate against a rear surface of the backing.
 12. Thedisplay assembly of claim 11, wherein the slot of the base plate has ahorizontal dimension that extends beyond the central opening of thebacking to permit selective adjustment of the position of the backingrelative to the base plate.
 13. The display assembly of claim 12,wherein the mount subassembly further comprises a rubber gasket having aslot that is positioned in alignment with the slot of the base plate andconfigured for positioning between the base plate and the backing topermit receipt of the threaded shaft portion of the bolt through thebase plate, the rubber gasket, and the backing.
 14. The display assemblyof claim 11, wherein the frame comprises at least one alignment featureextending inwardly from at least one side portion of the frame, whereinthe at least one alignment feature defines an alignment opening, whereinthe backing defines at least one peripheral opening, and wherein eachperipheral opening of the backing is configured to be positioned inalignment with a corresponding alignment opening of the at least onealignment feature.
 15. The display assembly of claim 14, furthercomprising: at least one peripheral fastener, each peripheral fastenerbeing configured for receipt through a corresponding peripheral openingof the backing and a corresponding alignment opening of the at least onealignment feature; and at least one peripheral nut configured forthreaded engagement with a distal end of a corresponding peripheralfastener of the at least one peripheral fastener.
 16. The displayassembly of claim 11, wherein the base plate defines at least oneattachment opening spaced outwardly from the slot of the base plate, andwherein the display assembly further comprises at least one attachmentfastener configured for receipt through the at least one attachmentopening of the base plate to secure the display assembly to the selectedsurface.
 17. The display assembly of claim 5, further comprising areinforcement material that has a rear surface configured to rest on theledge of the frame and a front surface configured to support at leastone visual feature of the plurality of visual features within thecentral opening of the frame.
 18. The display assembly of claim 17,wherein at least one display surface is secured to the front surface ofthe reinforcement material, and wherein the at least one display surfacecomprises an electronic display panel selected from the group consistingof an liquid crystal display (LCD) screen, a light emitting diode (LED)screen, an electroluminescent display (ELD) screen, a plasma displaypanel (PDP) screen, a digital light processing (DLP) screen, electronicpaper, or combinations thereof.
 19. A system comprising: a plurality ofdisplay assemblies, each display assembly of the plurality of displayassemblies comprising: a frame having a plurality of side portions thatcooperate to define a central opening that is configured to receive atleast one visual feature, wherein at least one side portion of the framecomprises: a base portion defining a portion of a rear surface of theframe; and first and second projections extending from the base portionin a first direction away from the rear surface of the frame, whereinthe first and second projections define a receiving space that extendsalong a length of the side portion, and wherein the receiving space isconfigured to at least partially receive a portion of a connector thatis inserted into the receiving space in a second direction opposite thefirst direction; and a connector, wherein each side portion of the frameof a first display assembly of the plurality of display assemblies isconfigured for connection to an aligned side portion of a frame of asecond display assembly using the connector when the connector is atleast partially received within the receiving spaces of the aligned sideportions of the frames of the first and second display assemblieswherein at least the first display assembly of the plurality of displayassemblies is configured to be secured to a selected surface.
 20. Thesystem of claim 19, wherein the connector comprises: an elongate bodyhaving opposed front and rear surfaces; and first and second projectionsextending from the rear surface of the elongate body, wherein the firstand second projections are configured for receipt within respectivereceiving spaces of the aligned side portions of the frames of the firstand second display assemblies.